You can make these cleaners for pennies a bottle.
Window Cleaner
To clean windows and mirrors:
Mix
1/2 cup of white household vinegar
1 pint of rubbing alcohol
1 teaspoon mild dishwashing liquid
Enough water to make 1 gallon of cleaner
Pour into a labeled spray bottle. Dry the windows with a wad of crumpled up newspaper. Clean on one side from right to left and then the other up and down. You'll be able to tell which side the streak is on. For mirrors, spray the newspaper and then clean it.
Multipurpose Cleaner
To remove grease and grime:
Mix
1/2 cup of sudsing ammonia
Enough water to make 1 gallon
Wear rubber gloves when mixing and using ammonia. This solution is good for tough cleaning jobs.
Woodwork/Wood Paneling Cleaner
To remove fingerprints and dirt build up:
Mix
1 part vinegar
2 parts water
Dip rag into solution, wring out excess water, and wipe surfaces. Dry with clean cloth.
Deodorizer and Cleaner
To get rid of smells and to clean:
Mix
4 tablespoons of baking soda
1 quart warm water
Put into a small bucket and use to clean ceramic surfaces or stinky refrigerator or freezer walls, shelves and drawers.
Sanitizing Spray
Mix
1 tablespoon household bleach
1 quart water
Spray to sanitize areas that need it. This solution isn't shelf stable, so mix just enough that you can use up during your cleaning that day.
Carpet Freshener
To deodorize carpets:
Sprinkle baking soda liberally on the carpet and let it set for 10 minutes. Then vacuum up.
Drain Freshener
To freshen, clean keep drains flowing:
Pour 1⁄2 cup baking soda down drain followed by 1 cup vinegar.
Allow to sit for 15 minutes.
Run hot water or carefully pour boiling water down drain to wash out residue.
Run cold water for at least 1 minute.
NOTE: DO NOT use this method after using commercial drain cleaners.
Control kitchen odors:
When you fry, sauté or boil foods that stink such as (cabbage, broccoli, fish):
* Set out small bowl of household vinegar on counter next to stove to absorb smells.
When food bubbles over in the oven:
* Sprinkle salt on burned mess to eliminate smoky odor then clean up when oven is cool.
When food smells and splatters in microwave:
* Fill large microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons baking soda, 1 cup water, and or chopped up lemon/lime/citrus for aroma. Turn the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. Wipe off wall and rotating tray.
When refrigerator smells, throw out dated or old items:
* Place a box of baking soda inside and change every 3 months. *Wipe down walls with white vinegar
* Put an open tub of fresh dry coffee grounds to absorb odors
* Crumple newspapers in an empty refrigerator to absorb smells
ALL THINGS VINEGAR
Air Freshener
* Get rid of cooking odors by boiling a cup of water in a pan on the stove and add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar. Paint smells can be absorbed by setting out a small bowl of white vinegar. To make the whole house smell good, add some cinnamon to a pan of water and vinegar, let boil. Walk with the pan throughout the house to scent every room.
Clay Pots - Remove white crusty rings of salt build up on clay pots:
* Wipe with a cloth soaked in undiluted white vinegar.
Decanters - Get rid of hard-water stains:
* Pour full-strength vinegar into the decanter to cover lime deposits and let it stand overnight. For stubborn stains, add a teaspoon or two of raw rice along with the vinegar and shake vigorously.
Flowers - Make fresh flowers will last longer:
* Pour them in a vase with warm water containing 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 3 tablespoons of sugar per quart of water.
Paint Brushes - To keep paint brushes soft and supple:
* Soak in vinegar and water for a few hours.
